GDPR, Compliance, SMB
How to Run a GDPR Audit as an SMB (Practical Steps)
A GDPR audit doesn't have to be complicated. Learn what to check, how to approach it, and how to stay compliant as an SMB. With a practical checklist.
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GDPR
GDPR: practical guides for SMBs
19 articles
The GDPR applies to every business that handles personal data. If you have customers, employees, or a website, that includes you. Compliance doesn't have to be overwhelming, though. This category collects practical guides, checklists, and explainers that help SMBs tackle GDPR requirements one step at a time.
GDPR
Data Processing Agreement (DPA): What Must Be in It and How to Close One
What goes in a data processing agreement under GDPR? The 7 mandatory clauses from Article 28, how to request a DPA from suppliers, and what to do when a vendor refuses.
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GDPR, Compliance, SMB
7 Common GDPR Mistakes SMBs Make (And How to Avoid Them)
The 7 most common GDPR mistakes small and medium businesses make. With real enforcement examples and practical steps to fix each one.
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GDPR
How to Build a GDPR Processing Register (RoPA): A Practical Guide
Learn what a GDPR processing register (RoPA) is, what it must contain, and how to build one as an SMB. With practical step-by-step plan and concrete examples.
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GDPR
GDPR Encryption Requirements: When Must You Encrypt Data?
When is encryption required under GDPR? What Article 32 means in practice, which data you must encrypt, and what the minimum standard is for SMBs.
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GDPR, Compliance, SMB
GDPR data subject rights: what they are and how to handle them
All GDPR data subject rights explained, with practical guidance on handling access, erasure, and other GDPR requests within your organisation.
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GDPR, Compliance, SMB
Data Breach Discovered? Here's Your GDPR Step-by-Step Response Plan
You have 72 hours to notify the regulator. This GDPR guide walks you through every step: assess, report, document, and notify — so nothing gets missed.
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GDPR, Compliance, SMEs
GDPR Compliance Checklist for Dutch Tech SMBs (2026)
A practical GDPR checklist for Dutch tech SMBs in 2026 - governance, tooling, vendors, retention, and audit-ready evidence.
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AI, GDPR
AI Governance for EU SMEs: A Practical Framework to Get Compliant
AI tools are in every team — but is your company actually compliant? This framework covers ownership, risk tiers, GDPR checks, and a 14-day rollout for EU SMEs.
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GDPR
Understanding Legitimate Interest under GDPR
Learn what legitimate interest means under GDPR, when you can use it as a legal basis, and why a balancing test is essential.
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GDPR
Why You Need to Care About EU Privacy Laws Even Outside of the EU
GDPR and ePrivacy apply based on who you serve, not where you are. Learn why respecting EU privacy laws matters even if your company is outside Europe.
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General, GDPR
Cold Calls and Cold Emails Under GDPR: What's Still Allowed?
B2B cold outreach is still legal under GDPR — if you follow the rules. Here is what ePrivacy actually allows, where the line is, and how to stay on the right side of it.
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GDPR
What Data Needs a User’s Consent?
Learn when user consent is mandatory under GDPR. Find out why legitimate interest is not enough for sensitive data, tracking, and behavioral advertising.
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GDPR
How to build a GDPR-compliant data retention policy
Learn how to create a GDPR-compliant data retention policy to protect personal data and ensure legal compliance with our step-by-step guide.
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GDPR
Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s fair game: GDPR and public data
Understand GDPR's impact on public data usage and learn why accessing doesn't equal permission for personal information.
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GDPR
The role of encryption in GDPR compliance
Discover how encryption is vital for GDPR compliance and learn practical steps to protect your data from breaches and fines.
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GDPR, NIS2
What is NIS2?
NIS2 is the EU's updated cybersecurity directive, enhancing protections for critical infrastructures and ensuring businesses take cybersecurity seriously.
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GDPR
What are data controllers and processors?
Let's talk about what Data Controller and Processor in GDPR are
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GDPR
Why GDPR is so important?
Discover why GDPR compliance is essential for businesses and how ComplianceHive simplifies the process, ensuring data protection and efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the GDPR apply to small businesses?
Yes. The GDPR applies to any organisation that processes personal data, regardless of size. If you store customer emails, employee records, or website analytics data, you need to comply. There is no small-business exemption.
What GDPR mistakes do SMBs make most often?
Common ones: missing or incomplete records of processing activities, outdated privacy policies, and no data processing agreements with vendors. Many small businesses also lack clear retention periods for the data they collect.
Where should I start with GDPR compliance?
Map what personal data you collect, where it is stored, and who can access it. Write that down in a record of processing activities. That inventory becomes the foundation for everything else, from privacy policies to vendor assessments.
ComplianceHive makes it manageable
From theory to practice — manage your compliance in one platform.